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Winding trail crossing through boulders and passing along rock cliffs to a spectacular view atop Bald Rock.


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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM

Point to Point

3,118' 950 m

High

1,212' 369 m

Low

1,909' 582 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

39%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Waterfall

Description

This trail doubles as the eastern terminus of the Foothills Trail. It also overlaps the southern portion of the Carrick Creek Trail at the entrance of the park. Blaze color for this trail is yellow.

From the Table Rock Nature Center this trail follows the very popular, and often congested, Carrick Creek Trail. It begins on a paved path, passing alongside Carrick Creek and the small waterfall with a wading pool found there. It turns to natural surface singletrack after about 0.25 miles.

After about a mile, it branches off to the left and heads west to the Bald Rock overlook. The first 2.5 to 3 miles follow the ridge below, carving through fields of boulders. It passes under a large overhanging rock wall that can be a small waterfall at times during period of wet weather.

The trail will take you behind the water, allowing you to pass through dry, At about the 3 mile mark, you'll reach the junction with Mill Creek Falls trail. This is a short spur, about 0.5 miles long, that will take you to a small waterfall viewable from a cabled-off viewing area. At about 3.25 miles, you'll come to the intersection with Mill Creek Pass trail.

This trail is a shortcut through to Ridge Trail, which will take you to Table Rock Trail. At about 4 miles in, you'll reach Bald Rock. There are several sections of this area that provide spectacular views of the south horizon. From here, the trail climbs steeply.

At times it can get very strenuous and require stepping up roots and rocks about 18-24 inches high. The trail will end at the intersection of the Ridge Trail and Foothills Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Glint Gossamer

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9432

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#9,432

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3 Views Last Month
216 Since Nov 28, 2020
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Photos

Bald Rock View    [ Pinnacle Mountain Trail / Foothills Trail ]
Apr 10, 2018 near Pickens, SC
Trail passing under rocky outcrop. Water will be falling over top during periods of wet weather.
Nov 28, 2020 near Pickens, SC
View from atop Bald Rock.
Nov 28, 2020 near Pickens, SC
Some of the beautiful scenery along the creek.
Feb 19, 2019 near Pickens, SC
Small waterfall on Carrick Creek.
Nov 28, 2020 near Pickens, SC
Stack of rock slabs along trail.
Nov 28, 2020 near Pickens, SC

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Check-Ins

Jun 19, 2023
Jer G
2:30 minutes up. Tough trail, did well until after Bald overlook. The last .3 mile was tough — 2h 30m
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